Dez's Report Card On UConn's Performance Against Maryland

Quarterback: The numbers for Chandler Whitmer (29 of 46, 349 yards, two interceptions, one touchdown) look OK, but a deeper look at those picks shows how big they were. On the first, in the first half, Whitmer was going too deep to Shakim Phillips when Dexter McDougle robbed him. It was a good play, but that pass needed more on it so the Huskies could convert deep to help open the running game. The second interception, in the second half, which McDougle returned 49 yards for a touchdown, was brutal. Whitmer fought hard all game. He deserves credit, but he engineers too many stalled drives and his penchant for throwing to the other team remains high. Grade: D

Running Back: Lyle McCombs (19 carries 53 yards, 1 TD) tries really hard but he doesn't have enough help — in front of or behind him — and that's all there is to it. Grade: C-minus

Receivers/tight end: Some good production in here with Phillips catching 10 passes for 178 yards (both career highs), which included a 75-yard catch-and-run late, a play on which he pulled up with that nagging hamstring injury on his way into the end zone. If the Huskies have to go without him for any period of time, it will be another blow to the program. Geremy Davis (5 catches, 54 yards) may have seen a little more attention after his 100-yard effort in Week 1. It was good to see Deshon Foxx (4 catches, 54 yards) worked into the game more. Sean McQuillan (4 catches, 23 yards) looks like he can be a viable option. Grade: B

Offensive line: Whitmer was sacked five times, which means he's been sacked 10 times this season already. The Huskies rushed for 34 yards as a team. Grade: F (again)

Defense

Defensive line: The unit allowed another 200-yard rushing performance in as many games. Quarterback C.J. Brown's jersey looked like it just came out of the package when he left Rentschler Field. Brown lit the place up: 15 of 28, 277 yards for a touchdown and 122 yards rushing. Grade: F

Linebackers: Yawin Smallwood led the team in tackles with 14, which was also a game-high, but the bottom line is the inexperience of this unit is glaring now against the pass and run. Grade: C-minus

Secondary: It had a lot to handle, and it didn't do a great job. It could have been worse. Maryland shot itself in the foot at times. Grade: D

Special Teams

Punt return: The Huskies didn't return any punts. Grade: Incomplete

Punting: Kind of a rough night for Cole Wagner, who punted nine times for a 36.2 average. Grade: D

Kickoff return: Phillips (2 returns, 51 yards) almost broke one but the Huskies simply have to be more productive on returns. The offense needs it. Grade: C-minus

Kickoffs/field goals: Chad Christen was good on both of his field goal attempts and averaged 61.7 yards on his kickoffs, including the one during which he was flagged for blocking below the waist. There may not be a player on the roster who bleeds blue more than Christen. He was simply trying to make a play for his team. Grade: A for effort, B-minus overall.